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Minnesota Twins

8/16/2006

Nick Punto, min

Punto sat out Tuesday's game with a bruised knee.

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano will see doctors later this week to guage the progress of his injured pitching arm. Liriano has been on the DL with elbow and arm inflammation. "My shoulder is getting better," Liriano said. "I feel better. ... We want to make sure everything's good before I come back."

8/14/2006

Brad Radke, min

Radke has a torn labrum, and he's not considering surgery since he plans to call it quits after the season. For someone who has never been a strikeout specialist, such a weakness has made Radke's fastball even more vulnerable. That made it more critical for one of the game's best control pitchers to work the corners and effectively change speeds.

8/11/2006

Rondell White, min

The Twins placed White on the 15-day disabled list after Thursday night's game due to a strained left hamstring. White last played in the field on July 30, and he has been used only as a designated hitter or pinch-hitter since. He did some running Thursday afternoon, manager Ron Gardenhire said, but he still felt tightness in the muscle.

8/10/2006

Lew Ford, min

Ford, who is on the DL with a right oblique strain, has been sent to Triple-A Rochester for an injury rehab assignment.

8/9/2006

Rondell White, min

After coming in as a pinch-hitter in the Minnesota Twins' game on Monday, White returned to the lineup on Wednesday. He was 1-for-3 with a double.

Francisco Liriano, min

The Minnesota Twins expect to put Liriano on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday to recover from what the team says is muscular inflammation in his throwing elbow. The move would be retroactive to Tuesday.

Boof Bonser, min

Bonser was optioned from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday by the Minnesota Twins to take the place of injured left-hander Francisco Liriano. He is scheduled to start on Saturday.

8/8/2006

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau needs one homer to become the first Twins player to hit 30 in a season since Kent Hrbek, Tom Brunansky and Gary Gaetti all did it in 1987. Morneau would also become just the fourth Canadian to hit 30 homers in a season, joining Larry Walker, Matt Stairs and Jason Bay.

Francisco Liriano, min

The Minnesota Twins will likely put Liriano on the DL according to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. After missing his turn in the rotation last week because of soreness in his throwing forearm, the Twins left-hander lasted just four innings on Monday, allowing four runs and 10 hits in the team's 9-3 loss."You want percentages, it would be 99.999 that he would go on the disabled list," Gardenhire said before the Twins' game at Detroit on Tuesday.

Matt Garza, min

The Minnesota Twins purchased Garza's contract from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday after Francisco Liriano's pitching arm continued to bother him during Tuesday's start.

8/6/2006

Jason Bartlett, min

Bartlett had a career-high five hits in the Minnesota Twins' 11-5 win over the Kansas City Royals Sunday. The Twins shortstop is Minnesota's No. 9 hitter and is riding a nine-game hitting streak. He went 5-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs Sunday.

8/4/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano, who was skipped from a Wednesday start with inflammation in the forearm muscle, is scheduled to make his next start on Monday at Detroit.

8/3/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

An exam on Liriano's sore left elbow Thursday showed the injury is muscle-related and not due to problems with any ligaments, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. The Minnesota Twins pitcher missed his scheduled start Wednesday, but said he'll make his next scheduled start on Sunday.

8/2/2006

Mike Smith, min

Smith was recalled from Triple-A Rochester by the Twins on Wednesday after Boof Bonser was sent down to the minor league club.

Francisco Liriano, min

Status: Liriano was scratched from Wednesday's start with the Twins because of discomfort in his left forearm. After experiencing discomfort in a bullpen session on Monday the team had him undergo an MRI and the results showed there was nothing to be too concerned about. He is expected to make a start next Monday against the Detroit Tigers.

Boof Bonser, min

Bonser was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday after another rough start on Wednesday. Bonser gave up seven runs in four innings, although only four were earned. He is 2-3 with a 5.67 ERA over eight starts this season.

8/1/2006

Brad Radke, min

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that Radke will make his scheduled start on Thursday despite struggling with a sore shoulder in his last start.

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter was 3-for-5 with a three-run homer run and four RBIs in his first game off the disabled list. A stress fracture in his left foot has kept the center fielder sidelined since July 15.

7/31/2006

Lew Ford, min

Ford was placed on the 15-day disabled list after straining a muscle in his right side swinging at a pitch.

7/24/2006

Nick Punto, min

Punto went 2-for-4 Sunday, extending his career-high hitting streak to 15 games.

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano fanned 10 in five innings as the Twins tied a 40-year-old team record with 17 strikeouts overall in a 3-1 win over the Indians on Sunday. Liriano gave up one run and four hits while walking three. It was his third double-digit strikeout game this season.

7/20/2006

Rondell White, min

White hit two homers and finished with three hits in the Twins' 7-2 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Wednesday.

7/19/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano allowed one unearned run and three hits in 8 2-3 innings of the Twins' 8-1 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Tuesday.

7/17/2006

Shannon Stewart, min

Stewart was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday due to a strained left plantar fascia. Stewart suffered the injury during his at-bat in the fifth inning of the Twins' 6-2 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday and left the contest. He had missed 33 games in May and June with a partial thickness tear of his left plantar fascia.

7/16/2006

Torii Hunter, min

The Twins placed Hunter on the 15-day disabled list Sunday after learning the five-time Gold Glove award winner has a stress fracture in his left foot. Hunter's MRI showed a stress fracture in the fourth metatarsal, one of the long bones that extends from heel to toe.

7/14/2006

Jason Kubel, min

Kubel was scratched from Thursday's starting lineup against the Cleveland Indians because of soreness in both knees. The 24-year-old outfielder, who did pinch-hit in the ninth, said he thought fatigue in the left knee might be causing soreness in the right one. "He thought the All-Star break would clear it up and help him get by, but it hasn't happened," manager Ron Gardenhire said.

7/11/2006

Scott Baker, min

The Twins recalled Baker from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. The 24-year-old right-hander began the season as Minnesota's fifth starter, but was sent down on June 1 after going 2-5 with a 6.06 ERA in nine outings.

7/10/2006

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra was released by the Twins on Monday after suffering through an injury-plagued half-year with the team. The designated hitter signed a free-agent contract in the offseason, but had only 28 at-bats this season after spending six weeks on the disabled list after rupturing the biceps tendon near his left elbow. He batted .179 with one double and four RBIs.

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano was added to the AL All-Star team on Monday, replacing Chicago's Jose Contreras, who pitched Sunday and would not have been available to pitch. The Minnesota left-hander is 10-1 with a 1.83 ERA and 102 strikeouts this season and is the first rookie since the Mets' Jerry Koosman in 1968 to have 10 wins and a sub-2.00 ERA before the All-Star break.

7/8/2006

Carlos Silva, min

Silva left Minnesota's 9-4 loss to Texas on Friday night in the second inning after suffering a sprained right knee. The right-hander caught his spikes on the mound in the first and twisted the knee. He went back out for the second inning, but was unable to continue. Silva had allowed five runs and six hits in 1 2-3 innings.

7/6/2006

Quinton McCracken, min

McCracken was designated for assignment by Cincinnati on Thursday, meaning the Reds have 10 days to trade or release the left fielder. McCracken was signed as a free agent in the spring and batted .208 in 53 at-bats for the Reds this season. He led the team with seven pinch hits.

7/5/2006

Boof Bonser, min

Bonser was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, one day after allowing four runs, four hits and four walks over three innings in a 7-2 loss to Kansas City. The right-handed starter went 2-2 with a 5.30 ERA in seven starts for the Twins since being recalled May 19 to replace Kyle Lohse in the rotation.

7/3/2006

Johan Santana, min

Minnesota's Santana was selected to his second All-Star team on Sunday as a starting pitcher for the American League. Santana is 9-4 with a 2.59 ERA this season.

Joe Mauer, min

Minnesota's Mauer was selected to his first All-Star team on Sunday, as the reserve catcher for the American League. Mauer is batting .392 with five homers and 40 RBIs this season.

7/2/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano struck out a career-high 12 batters and allowed only three hits in Minnesota's 8-0 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday. The 22-year-old lefty phenom has been one of the keys to the Twins resurgence, as Minnesota has won 10 straight and 20 of its last 22.

6/30/2006

Rondell White, min

White was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to June 18, by Minnesota on Friday. The Twins then activated fellow outfielder Shannon Stewart from the DL. White has soreness in his shoulder after undergoing surgery last August. He was hitting .182 with 15 RBIs in 54 games this season.

Shannon Stewart, min

Minnesota activated Stewart from the 15-day disabled list on Friday and placed fellow outfielder Rondell White on the DL, retroactive to June 18. Stewart went on the DL on May 22 with a partial thickness tear of his left foot and missed 33 games. Before getting injured, he was batting .298 with two homers and 17 RBIs.

6/28/2006

Joe Mauer, min

Mauer went 2-for-3 in Minnesota's 6-3 win over the Dodgers on Wednesday, raising his average to a major league-best .392. The 23-year-old catcher went 11-for-13 in the series and had hits in eight consecutive at-bats before grounding out in the second inning. Mauer is batting .484 (46-for-95) in June.

6/27/2006

Joe Mauer, min

Mauer was 4-for-5 with a career-best five RBIs in an 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. The Twins' catcher leads the majors with a .377 batting average and tied his career-high with four hits in the game, including two singles, a double and a triple.

6/24/2006

Shannon Stewart, min

The Twins sent Stewart on a rehabilitation assignment Friday night. The 32-year-old Minnesota outfielder has been on the disabled list since May 22 with a plantar fascia problem in his left foot. He is expected to return to the majors around the end of the month.

6/23/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano, Minnesota's 22-year-old phenom, pitched seven scoreless innings to lead the Twins to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday night in 43-year-old Roger Clemens' much-anticipated debut.

6/21/2006

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau hit a game-winning homer in the top of the 10th inning as Minnesota beat Houston 6-5 on Tuesday night. The first baseman has a career-high 11-game hitting streak and has been one of the main reasons the Twins have won eight straight games. He is batting .413 (19-for-46) with six homers and 19 RBIs during the hitting streak and has at least one RBI in his last four games.

6/19/2006

Tony Batista, min

Batista was released by the Twins on Monday after being designated for assignment on June 13. The 32-year-old third baseman hit .236 with 21 RBIs in 50 games for Minnesota this season and struggled on defense. The two-time All-Star played last season in Japan following nine seasons in the majors.

6/16/2006

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Friday after missing 42 games because of a ruptured left biceps tendon. The Minnesota Twins designated hitter was signed in late April and batted .188 (3-for-16) with two RBIs in seven games.

6/12/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano allowed only one hit and struck out six in seven innings against the Baltimore Orioles, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning. This was the Minnesota Twins left-hander's fifth start this season after beginning the year in the bullpen.

5/21/2006

Joe Mauer, min

Mauer went 4-for-5 with a double, home run, three runs and four RBIs to help the Twins beat the Brewers 16-10 on Saturday.

5/15/2006

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter continued his hot hitting streak on Monday against the Chicago White Sox. The Minnesota Twins center fielder was 2-for-4 on Monday. In 14 games batting in the fourth position, Hunter is hitting .382 (21-for-55) with three homers and 16 RBIs. He's hitting .198 (14-for-86) in the 23 games he's been in the fifth spot.

Carlos Silva, min

The Minnesota Twins sent Silva to the bullpen after he was roughed up by the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. The Twins' right-hander gave up eight hits and eight runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings of Minnesota's 9-7 loss, the fourth time in his last six starts that he has allowed at least six earned runs. In eight outings, Silva is 2-6 with an 8.80 ERA.

Francisco Liriano, min

The Minnesota Twins have moved Liriano into the rotation after right-hander Carlos Silva struggled once again in the Twins' 9-7 loss to the Chicago White Sox Sunday night. The 22-year-old left-hander, one of the top pitching prospects in the game, is 1-0 with a save and a 3.22 ERA in 12 relief appearances this season. He has fanned 32 in 22 1/3 innings and has walked only four.

5/10/2006

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau hit two home runs and collected a career-high six RBIs Tuesday night in Minnesota's 15-5 romp over the Texas Rangers in Arlington.

5/5/2006

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo was hurt turning a double play in the top of the third of Minnesota's Thursday night loss to Kansas City. The Twins' second baseman limped off the field after Kerry Robinson's takeout slide caught him on the right leg.

5/2/2006

Ruben Sierra, min

An MRI exam Monday revealed Sierra has a ruptured biceps tendon near his left elbow, countering initial reports of a mere strain. The Twins' reserve will rehab the injury without surgery but is expected to miss several months. He could make it back before the end of the 2006 season.

4/30/2006

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained left biceps. The Twins' designated hitter was injured while swinging at a pitch in an 18-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. He is scheduled to have an MRI exam on Monday, said manager Ron Gardenhire.

4/26/2006

Luis Castillo, min

After missing three games with a sore left knee, Castillo was back in Minnesota's lineup Tuesday. The Twins' second baseman had a five-game hitting streak, but it ended with an 0-for-4 night in the Twins' 2-1 win over Kansas City. In his last six games, Castillo is 10-for-20 with a triple and five RBIs.

4/17/2006

Ruben Sierra, min

The Minnesota Twins purchased Sierra's minor league contract Monday, activating the veteran DH-first baseman after rehabbing a quadriceps injury he suffered during spring training. The 40-year-old veteran batted .229 with four home runs and 29 RBIs in 170 at-bats for the New York Yankees in 2005.

Jason Kubel, min

The Minnesota Twins purchased the minor league contract of veteran Ruben Sierra on Monday and optioned Kubel to Triple-A Rochester to make room for him. Kubel was 3-for-16 (.188) with one RBI in seven games for the Twins.

4/14/2006

Quinton McCracken, min

McCracken's contract was purchased by the Reds from Sarasota of the Class A Florida State League on Friday. The 35-year-old McCracken can play all three outfield positions and adds some depth as Ken Griffey Jr. has missed two straight starts due to stiffness in his right knee. McCracken batted .500 (8-for-16) at Sarasota with a triple and three runs scored.

4/10/2006

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo was back in the lineup on Sunday after missing Saturday's game with sore legs. The second baseman, acquired from Florida in the offseason, is 4-for-16 with four runs and one stolen base for the Twins this season. He was 0-for-3 on Sunday against the Indians.

4/6/2006

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter enjoyed a terrific day Wednesday in Minnesota's 13-4 victory over Toronto. The Twins' center fielder went 4-for-5 with a grand slam and a two-run single to lead his team's 16-hit attack against five Toronto pitchers.

3/31/2006

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano was charged with drunken driving Thursday in Cape Coral, Florida. The 22-year-old left-hander, one of the top pitching prospects in the game, is competing for a job with the Twins. Initial reports suggest the DUI charge may not hinder his chances of making the big league club.

3/28/2006

Juan Rincon, min

In his first game action of the spring, Rincon worked an inning against Twins Double-A and Triple-A players Tuesday. The Minnesota setup man allowed one hit and threw 12 pitches. The Twins plan to work Rincon in minor league games on Thursday and Sunday before deciding whether the right-hander is ready to start the season with the big league club. He is coming off surgery over the winter to remove bone chips.

3/27/2006

Darrell May, min

The Minnesota Twins released May over the weekend. The Twins were hoping that the left-hander would earn a spot in the bullpen, but he was roughed up by the Reds on Saturday and posted a 7.71 ERA in eight games this spring.

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer, who strained an oblique muscle a week ago, planned to hit off a tee on Monday. Batting practice is likely on Tuesday if all goes well. Then the Minnesota outfielder will be re-evaluated to see if he's ready to resume play. Cuddyer is competing with prospect Jason Kubel for duty in right field.

Juan Rincon, min

Rincon is stepping up his mound work and hopes to be ready for opening day. The Twins' reliever has needed extra time to recover from offseason surgery to remove bone chips from his arm. He threw about 35 pitches in batting practice over the weekend. Manager Ron Gardenhire told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Rincon likely will pitch in minor league games Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday before it's determined if he's ready to start the season with the Twins.

Francisco Liriano, min

The Minnesota Twins released veteran left-hander Darrell May over the weekend, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that Liriano may have secured a job in the Twins' bullpen with May's departure. The paper reports that Liriano is likely to be used in long relief instead of facing one or two hitters as a lefty specialist.

3/21/2006

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra strained his right quadriceps on Sunday, and Minnesota's veteran DH-first base candidate is likely to start the season on the disabled list. "He'll be down for a while," Twins general manager Terry Ryan told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer has been competing with Twins prospect Jason Kubel for the starting right-field job this spring. The 26-year-old veteran had made a case for the job by going 14-for-28 in his first 11 games, but he strained his left oblique muscle while making a throw during Monday's game against Philadelphia.

3/19/2006

Juan Rincon, min

Rincon had a 10-minute bullpen session and reported no problems with his elbow. The Twins reliever had offseason surgery to remove bone chips.

3/12/2006

Johan Santana, min

Santana allowed one run and two hits in five innings while throwing 68 pitches for Venezuela on Sunday in a World Baseball Classic second-round game against Cuba. He threw 61 pitches in his first start.

3/8/2006

Jason Kubel, min

Kubel, who blew out his left knee in late 2004 and missed all of last season, made his first appearance in a spring training game Tuesday. Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire inserted the right-field prospect into the Twins' 5-0 loss to the Yankees and said Kubel would start against Cincinnati on Wednesday.

3/3/2006

Gabe White, min

White has told the Minnesota Twins he is retiring. The 34-year-old left-hander finalized the decision after Thursday's exhibition game against Boston. He said his elbow was bothering him and his knee had swelled after running. White was one of Montreal's top pitching prospects in the early 1990s, but injuries have taken their toll over the years.

1/29/2006

Juan Rincon, min

Rincon is doing well following offseason surgery to remove some bone chips soon after the 2005 campaign ended. The Twins' right-handed reliever hasn't started throwing yet, but he is expected to begin throwing as soon as he arrives in Florida around Feb. 13, MLB.com is reporting.

Jason Kubel, min

Kubel, a top Twins prospect who blew out his knee in late 2004 and missed all of last season, has been cleared to practice without restrictions. MLB.com is reporting that Kubel had been practicing with a brace on his knee as recently as a few weeks ago, but he now has full clearance to practice following a major reconstruction of his left knee.

1/25/2006

Nick Punto, min

Punto and the Minnesota Twins avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $690,000 contract on Tuesday. The 28-year-old took over the second base job early in the season and batted .239 with 18 doubles, six home runs, 13 stolen bases and 26 RBIs in 112 games.

1/22/2006

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Twins on Saturday to avoid arbitration. The 26-year-old utilityman hit .263 with 12 homers, 42 RBIs and 25 doubles in 422 at-bats last year. He likely will be competing for time in right field this spring with Jason Kubel and Lew Ford.

1/5/2006

Gabe White, min

White will attend spring training this year with the Minnesota Twins after agreeing to a minor league contract Thursday. The left-hander enters his 12th year in the majors and has pitched for five teams. He is 34-26 with a 4.51 career ERA in 570 2-3 innings pitched.

12/22/2005

Rondell White, min

White has signed with the Minnesota Twins, agreeing to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. Also included are performance incentives and an option for 2007 that could make the deal worth up to $8.5 million over the next two seasons. In 97 games with the Detroit Tigers last year, the 33-year-old outfielder batted .313 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs.

12/15/2005

Tony Batista, min

Batista agreed to a one-year contract with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday after spending last season playing in Japan. The two-time all-star last played in the Major Leagues with Montreal in 2004.

Shawn Wooten, min

Wooten agreed to terms with the Minnesota Twins on Thursday on a minor league deal. If the utilityman makes the 40-man roster, he would receive a contract that would pay him $450,000 annually.

12/2/2005

Luis Castillo, min

The Minnesota Twins acquired Castillo from Florida on Friday for a pair of pitching prospects, Travis Bowyer and Scott Tyler. The second baseman had spent his entire 10-year with the Marlins. In 2005, he hit .301, with four HRs and 30 RBIs in 122 games.

10/16/2005

Jason Tyner, min

Tyner has signed a minor league contract to return to the Minnesota Twins for 2006. The 28-year-old outfielder impressed in 18 late-season games with the Twins, batting .321 with a double, a triple and eight runs scored. He could win a backup role with Minnesota in the spring.

10/1/2005

Justin Morneau, min

An MRI on Morneau's sore left arm came back negative on Friday.

9/29/2005

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau will receive a pain-killing injection for a painful left elbow that has plagued him down the stretch. If the pain doesn't go away, Minnesota team doctors would be convinced that the problem is related to a bone spur he has battled for the past several weeks. Offseason surgery would be a possibility.

9/23/2005

Johan Santana, min

Although Santana did not figure into the decision in Thursday's extra-inning victory over the Chicago White Sox, he held the southsiders in check yet again. The Twins' lefthander surrendered just one run on four hits over eight strong innings, striking out three and walking one. He has had the Sox' number this season, going 4-0 with an 0.92 ERA in five starts.

9/21/2005

Shannon Stewart, min

Stewart's season appears to be over, due to continuing shoulder problems suffered after colliding with an outfield wall on August 23. He has struggled since returning from that injury, hitting .203 (12-for-59) in 14 games.

Luis Castillo, min

After leaving Florida's Sunday night game with a tight right hamstring, Castillo was on the bench when the Marlins opened a three-game set at Shea Stadium in New York on Tuesday. The Marlins' second baseman entered the game late and singled in the ninth inning, but he hobbled on the bases.

9/20/2005

Brad Radke, min

After allowing five runs over five innings in Minnesota's loss to Oakland Monday, Radke is expected to be shut down for the rest of the season with a sore neck and shoulder. The ailment has been bothering the Twins' righthander for most of 2005. Because of the injury, Radke hasn't thrown in the bullpen between starts since the All-Star break.

9/18/2005

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo left Florida's Sunday night game with a tight right hamstring. The Marlins' second baseman, slowed the past six weeks by a sore left quadriceps, limped into third while advancing from first on a double in the seventh inning of a 14-6 victory over Philadelphia. He then left the game.

Johan Santana, min

Santana struck out 13 in eight innings Saturday to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 5-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. With eight innings of scoreless, four-hit ball, the Twins' ace generated his third scoreless outing in his last seven times out. Over those seven starts, going back to August 12, the southpaw is 4-1 with a 1.18 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 53.1 innings.

9/15/2005

Mike Redmond, min

Redmond's tender right heel, which has been a problem for much of the second half of 2005, will be examined on Thursday or Friday by Twins orthopedist Dr. John Steubs. The veteran catcher has been playing with pain in his foot for weeks, and only a recent X-ray detected a spur in his heel. It's possible that Redmond will be shut down for the rest of the season.

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau has been playing with a painful left elbow, and the Twins' first baseman will undergo an MRI exam during a visit with team orthopedist Dr. John Steubs on Thursday or Friday. Reportedly a bone chip has been the source of Morneau's discomfort.

9/14/2005

Francisco Liriano, min

Liriano made his first major league start this afternoon against the Detroit Tigers, allowing two runs on two hits over five innings while striking out six. He departed with a 2-1 lead and received no decision in the Twins' eventual 4-3 loss.

9/12/2005

Brad Radke, min

The neck and shoulder pain that plagued Radke in June continues to be a factor. The Twins' righthander has pitched with soreness for most of the 2005 season.

Mike Redmond, min

Bothered by a tender heel that has been a problem in recent months, Redmond was a late scratch for Minnesota's Sunday showdown in Cleveland. The backup catcher was expected to play in place of injured starter Joe Mauer, but he was unable to catch.

Johan Santana, min

Santana may have his next start pushed back to Friday from Wednesday because of a split fingernail on his pitching hand, which has been giving him trouble of late. With Minnesota all but out of the wild-card race in the American League, there's no need to keep the Twins' ace on a regular pitching schedule.

Carlos Silva, min

The torn meniscus in Silva's right knee may have finally ended the righthander's season after a terrible outing on Sunday. He lasted just one inning, while giving up four runs and four hits, before asking out of the game with a stiff knee. It was the earliest Silva had exited a game this season.

Joe Mauer, min

A bruised right shoulder kept Mauer out of the Minnesota lineup for a second straight day on Sunday, but the Twins' catcher took batting practice and did some light throwing in preparation for his return. It's possible that the rookie backstop will be back in the lineup on Monday in Detroit. He most likely would serve as Minnesota's designated hitter.

Francisco Liriano, min

With Carlos Silva aggravating a knee injury that is likely to end his season, Liriano may have an opportunity to take a regular turn in the Minnesota rotation through the end of the season. The talented lefthander, acquired from San Francisco in the A.J. Pierzynski trade in November 2003, will get a chance to show his stuff in anticipation of competing for big league rotation spot next spring.

Chris Heintz, min

With minor injuries sidelining both Minnesota catchers, Joe Mauer and Mike Redmond, Heintz made his major league debut on Saturday and his first big league start Sunday as the Twins' No. 8 hitter. The 31-year-old catcher, who started his pro career in the Chicago White Sox' system in 1996, went 1-for-4 in Sunday's 12-4 loss to Cleveland.

9/11/2005

Joe Mauer, min

A bruised right shoulder kept Mauer out of the Twins' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Cleveland Indians. The catcher, who suffered the injury when he was hit by a foul tip the previous evening, was replaced by Mike Redmond.

9/7/2005

Luis Rodriguez, min

Rodriguez, who was a valuable fill-in when injuries waylaid the Twins' infield this summer, was recalled on Tuesday. The 25-year-old switch-hitter batted .254 with a .318 on-base percentage in 67 games for Minnesota. In 40 games at Triple-A Rochester, Rodriguez hit .309 with a .381 OBP.

9/3/2005

Jason Tyner, min

The Minnesota Twins purchased Tyner's contract from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

9/2/2005

Francisco Liriano, min

The Minnesota Twins recalled Liriano from Triple-A Rochester on Friday. The top-flight pitching prospect, a 21-year-old lefthander who draws comparisons to Twins ace Johan Santana, dominated at Rochester after a midseason promotion. In 14 starts there, he was 9-2 with a 1.78 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 91 innings. He allowed just 56 hits and 24 walks.

9/1/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

The New York Yankees activated Sierra from the disabled list Thursday. The Yankees' designated hitter has been out since mid-July with a hamstring injury. In 41 games this season, Sierra is a .286 hitter with three home runs and 25 RBI.

8/29/2005

Scott Baker, min

Baker, one of the Twins' top pitching prospects, is back in Minnesota after the club demoted veteran Joe Mays to the bullpen. The 23-year-old Baker was 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in his first two major league starts and a relief appearance earlier in 2005. The righthander was 5-8 with a 3.01 ERA in 22 starts for Triple-A Rochester.

Luis Rodriguez, min

On Sunday, the Minnesota Twins recalled top pitching prospect Scott Baker and optioned Rodriguez back to Triple-A Rochester. The 25-year-old infielder has been a valuable fill-in for a Twins team that has been strapped by injuries, particularly in the infield. He batted .254 with 15 runs scored and 11 RBI in 142 at-bats with Minnesota. Rodriguez played at second, third and short.

8/25/2005

Rondell White, min

On the disabled list since August 15 with a dislocated left shoulder, White learned Wednesday that he has suffered a torn rotator cuff, which will necessitate season-ending surgery.

8/24/2005

Johan Santana, min

Santana was backed by just one hit from his teammates, but Jacque Jones' eighth inning solo home run sufficed for a 1-0 win over Freddy Garcia and the Chicago White Sox Tuesday night. Santana tossed eight innings of shutout ball for his 13th win of the season.

8/23/2005

Shannon Stewart, min

Stewart left Friday night's game in the fourth inning, after he collided with the outfield wall while making a tough catch. Stewart made the catch on Paul Konerko's line drive, but doubled over in pain immediately after he threw the ball back into the infield. When Stewart walked off the field, he seemed to be favoring his left shoulder. We'll update this situation as soon as more information is known.

8/19/2005

Luis Castillo, min

According to Marlins manager Jack McKeon, Castillo likely will miss at least a couple more games, as he continues to recover from a left hamstring injury. The second baseman has been sidelined since feeling tightness in his leg while running the bases during Tuesday's action. Damion Easley will remain in the lineup in Castillo's stead.

8/18/2005

Johan Santana, min

Santana held the Chicago White Sox hitless until Carl Everett blooped a singled to right in the seventh inning Wednesday night. Santana then lost a shutout bid with a Paul Konerko home run in the ninth, but went on to register the 5-1 win, pitching 8.1 innings and striking out 10.

8/17/2005

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo said he'll likely miss Wednesday's matchup with the San Diego Padres after feeling tightness in his left hamstring while running the bases in the fifth inning of Tuesday's game. The Marlins have listed the second baseman as day-to-day. In 95 games this season, he is batting .304 with three home runs, 27 RBI and eight stolen bases.

8/15/2005

Rondell White, min

White dislocated his left shoulder diving for a ball in Detroit's Sunday doubleheader against Kansas City. The Tigers' left fielder will have an MRI exam on the shoulder Monday, but regardless of the results, the injury was serious enough to land White on the disabled list. That move was made Monday, and the Tigers recalled outfield prospect Curtis Granderson from Triple-A Toledo.

8/11/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer delivered a pinch-hit single on Wednesday, in his first game action since a flare-up of an old meniscus tear as well as some hamstring and tendon inflammation earlier in the week. The Twins' third baseman could return to the starting lineup on Friday, when Minnesota will open a weekend series in Oakland.

8/10/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

An MRI exam has revealed a tear in Sierra's left hamstring, but the Yankees' DH believes he will be ready to return in less than two weeks. He said he was told such a tear takes 4-6 weeks to heal, and he's already been out nearly four weeks. Sierra has been hitting in the cage every day, but team trainers haven't let him hit on the field yet. He tried running last week, but he felt pain in his leg, and that kept him from starting a minor league rehab assignment.

8/9/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

An MRI exam of Cuddyer's right knee, which the Twins' infielder injured while sliding on Saturday, showed an old meniscus tear as well as hamstring and tendon inflammation. While the knee may require offseason surgery, Cuddyer will try to play the rest of the year with the injury. He will need some time to get the inflammation under control, which could take just a few days or possibly as long as a week.

8/8/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer left Minnesota's loss to Boston Sunday because of a sore right knee that he injured sliding into second base on Saturday. The Twins' third baseman did not travel with the team to Seattle after the game, as he will be out at least a week regardless of the severity of the injury. An MRI exam was administered on Sunday, and the results should be known sometime on Monday.

8/5/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra said he would like to have an MRI exam of his strained left hamstring, which has swelled near the area where the discomfort is. The Yankees' designated hitter said he has been shut down completely, and he believes he'll be out at least another two weeks.

Luis Castillo, min

Due to some soreness in his leg, Castillo was absent from the Florida Marlins' lineup for Thursday's meeting with the St. Louis Cardinals. The injury is considered minor, and the second baseman should be back in action this weekend. Damion Easley got the nod in his stead.

8/2/2005

Jason Bartlett, min

The Minnesota Twins released second baseman Bret Boone and recalled Bartlett from Triple-A Rochester on Monday. Bartlett, the Twins' Opening Day shortstop, struggled over the first six weeks of the season before a mid-May demotion to Rochester. He returns after batting .332 with a .405 on-base percentage and 41 runs scored in 61 Triple-A contests.

8/1/2005

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter had an MRI exam and CT scan Monday, which revealed a small fracture in his left ankle. The Twins' center fielder was injured in Boston on Friday night, when the four-time Gold Glove winner tried to make an acrobatic catch atop the right-center field fence at Fenway Park. The fracture will keep Hunter on the sidelines for at least a month, and possibly for the rest of the season.

7/31/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra can swing a bat without pain, but remains unable to run the bases well enough to begin a rehab assignment in Tampa. Out since July 19 with a strained left hamstring, the 39-year-old Yankees veteran is eligible to come of the disabled list on Wednesday, but is unlikely to do so. The switch-hitting Sierra is batting .286 with 12 doubles, three homers and 25 RBI in 105 at-bats for the Yankees this season.

7/30/2005

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter may have a slightly torn tendon in his left ankle, according to reports out of Boston, where the Twins' center fielder was injured trying to chase down a long drive by Boston slugger David Ortiz on Friday night. His cleats stuck in the wall at Fenway Park, and his foot bent at an awkward angle. Hunter was carried off on a stretcher, and after the game, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

7/25/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra, who took dry swings on Saturday and Sunday for the first time since injuring his left hamstring on Monday, will take batting practice when the Yankees return to the Bronx on Tuesday. The 39-year-old switch-hitter, who could begin a minor league rehab assignment as soon as Saturday, is eligible to come off the disabled list on August 3.

7/24/2005

Scott Baker, min

The Twins sent Baker back to Triple-A Rochester shortly after the righthanded prospect picked up his first career big league victory in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers. Baker, who was called up to the parent club on Friday, went seven innings while allowing just five hits and two earned runs. He struck out five and issued just one free pass.

7/22/2005

Johan Santana, min

On Thursday night against Detroit, Santana wasn't at his best, but claimed his second win in two second-half starts this season. Since the 2003 All-Star break, the Minnesota southpaw has gone 23-1 with a 2.13 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and .190 opponent batting average during the second half.

Justin Morneau, min

The Twins need to make a move to recall rookie righthander Scott Baker for a Saturday start in Detroit, and it may be Morneau who heads for Triple-A Rochester. The 24-year-old first baseman is 1-for-24 (.042) since the All-Star break and looks lost at the plate. An 11-for-64 slide (.172) since June 29 has dropped his average to .247 on the season. He has 11 home runs and 45 RBI in 79 games.

Scott Baker, min

The Minnesota Twins plan to recall Baker, one of their top pitching prospects, to start in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader in Detroit. The 23-year-old righthander is 3-6 with a 3.01 ERA in 16 starts for Triple-A Rochester this season. He has been up on two occasions in 2005, working a scoreless inning of relief for the Twins in May, and returning for an impressive spot start against the Angels on July 5. He is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA over six innings.

7/20/2005

Darrell May, min

On Tuesday, the New York Yankees activated lefthander Felix Rodriguez from the disabled list and outrighted May to Triple-A Columbus. May was roughed up in two appearances with the Yankees. He allowed seven runs to Cleveland in a July 9 start that lasted 4.1 innings, and then coughed up six runs in a relief appearance against Boston on July 15. May heads to Columbus with an 0-1 record and 16.71 ERA with New York.

7/19/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

The Yankees have placed Sierra on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring injury. Sierra injured the muscle right as he was rounding first base following his go-ahead single in Monday night's win over the Rangers. Although Sierra was in better shape on Tuesday, the Yankees have moved him to the DL and recalled infielder Andy Phillips from Triple-A Columbus to take his place on the roster.

Now that the Yankees have made his DL stint official, if you're starting Sierra, make sure to get him out of your lineup as soon as possible.

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra injured his left hamstring Monday while hitting what turned out to be the game-winning two-run single in New York's 11-10 victory over Texas. The Yankees' designated hitter was limping awkwardly when he got to first base, and didn't put any pressure on his left leg while being helped back to the dugout after his eighth-inning hit. Sierra may be headed for the disabled list.

Ruben Sierra, min

The Yankees have placed Sierra on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring injury. Sierra injured the muscle right as he was rounding first base following his go-ahead single in Monday night's win over the Rangers. Although Sierra was in better shape on Tuesday, the Yankees have moved him to the DL and recalled infielder Andy Phillips from Triple-A Columbus to take his place on the roster.

Quinton McCracken, min

After coming off the bench in the fifth inning of Monday's matchup with the Florida Marlins, McCracken went 4-for-5, including a game-winning triple in the 11th inning. The Diamondbacks' outfielder, who matched his career high for hits in a game, finished the contest with three RBI and a stolen base.

Dennys Reyes, min

The San Diego Padres have placed Reyes on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. The veteran lefthander has struggled in his last four appearances, allowing 10 runs -- nine earned -- on 12 hits in seven innings of work. He walked nine and struck out three over that stretch.

Justin Morneau, min

Hitless in his last 14 at-bats and stuck in a 3-for-25 slump heading into Monday's contest against Baltimore, Morneau was on the Minnesota bench for the first of three contests against the Orioles. The Twins' first baseman was given the night off, though he pinch-hit in the eighth and grounded into a double play to extend his hitless string to 15 at-bats.

7/18/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

The Minnesota Twins activated Cuddyer from the disabled list over the weekend. The 26-year-old infielder has been out with a deep bone bruise in his left hand since he was struck by a pitch on June 29. To make room for Cuddyer, the Twins optioned veteran second baseman Luis Rivas to Triple-A Rochester.

7/15/2005

Ryan Glynn, min

Glynn was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday, in order to make room on the Oakland roster for trade acquisitions Joe Kennedy and Jay Witasick. In three starts and a pair of relief appearances, the 30-year-old Glynn was 0-4 with a 6.88 ERA over 17 innings.

7/12/2005

Scott Baker, min

The Minnesota Twins have optioned Baker back to Triple-A Rochester. The righthander, who made his major league debut in May, was called up for the second time this season to make a spot start for the ailing Brad Radke. He took the loss in the outing, but pitched well, allowing just two runs on five hits in five innings of work. He struck out five and walked two.

7/11/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

According to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, Cuddyer will be activated from the 15-day disabled list this coming weekend. The infielder, who has been sidelined for nearly two weeks with a deep bone bruise in his left hand, still has some lingering soreness to deal with, but he is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Thursday.

7/7/2005

Brad Radke, min

Radke worked a bullpen session Tuesday and had no problem with the neck stiffness that has plagued him in recent weeks. The Twins' righthander will make his scheduled start on Friday against the Royals in Kansas City. The 32-year-old veteran is 5-8 with a 4.07 ERA in 17 starts this season.

Johan Santana, min

Santana's recent struggles continued in Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels, as he allowed six runs on nine hits -- including a three-run homer by Garrett Anderson -- in 6.1 innings of work. The Twins' lefthander and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has not won since June 8 and has lost his last three decisions. For the season, he is 7-5 with a 3.98 ERA and a major league-high 143 strikeouts in 18 starts.

Scott Baker, min

Baker enjoyed a solid major league debut on Tuesday, working six innings and allowing six hits, two walks and two runs in a 2-1 loss to the Angels. The top prospect probably won't be sticking with the Minnesota Twins, however, as veteran Brad Radke tested his stiff neck in a bullpen session Tuesday and was cleared to start in Kansas City on Friday.

7/6/2005

Darrell May, min

May, who was acquired from San Diego on Saturday, may make his first start for the New York Yankees this Saturday. If righthander Carl Pavano is not able to take his scheduled turn because of an ailing throwing shoulder, May is the leading candidate to get the call to start against Cleveland.

7/5/2005

Dennys Reyes, min

With Adam Eaton still not quite ready to return from a strained finger, the Padres will turn to Reyes to make a spot start against the Houston Astros on Tuesday. In 32 relief appearances this season, the lefthander is 3-1 with a 3.93 ERA. He has 32 strikeouts and 23 walks in 36.2 innings of work.

7/4/2005

Brad Radke, min

Radke continues to be bothered by neck pain and has had his next start for the Twins pushed back from Tuesday until Friday. The Twins' righthander will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday to determine if he will be fit to work against the Royals in Kansas City Friday. Top prospect Scott Baker has been recalled to make Tuesday's start against the Angels.

Michael Cuddyer, min

The Minnesota Twins have placed Cuddyer on the 15-day disabled list with a deep bone bruise in his left hand. The move is retroactive to June 30. The Twins' third baseman took a pitch off his left hand Wednesday. He is batting .259 with five homers and 22 RBI in 69 games this season.

Nick Punto, min

The injury-riddled Minnesota Twins got a key infielder back from the disabled list over the weekend, as Punto returned from a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old infielder missed exactly a month. He will take over at second base for the Twins, who had Michael Cuddyer go on the disabled list for a bruised left hand this weekend. Rookie Luis Rodriguez is expected to take over at third for Cuddyer.

Scott Baker, min

On Sunday, the Minnesota Twins recalled Baker, who will start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday. The 23-year-old righthander, one of the top pitching prospects in the Twins' system, will be making his first major league start. He worked a scoreless inning in relief for Minnesota on May 7, during a brief stint with the big league club. Baker is 2-6 with a 3.18 ERA in 15 starts for Triple-A Rochester this season.

Luis Rodriguez, min

With Michael Cuddyer going on the 15-day disabled list over the weekend for a bruised left hand, Rodriguez is likely to get most of the starts at third base for the foreseeable future. The 25-year-old rookie continues to be a key player in the Twins' infield, filling in wherever injuries have struck over the last month.

7/2/2005

Darrell May, min

The San Diego Padres have reportedly traded May and fellow pitcher Tim Redding to the New York Yankees in exchange for Paul Quantrill. May is 1-3 with a 6.69 ERA in eight starts for the Padres. Both he and Redding are expected to report to the the Yankees' Triple-A team. The Padres will also send some money to the Yankees as part of the deal.

Darrell May, min

On Saturday, the San Diego Padres traded May and righthander Tim Redding to the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Paul Quantrill. May was 1-3 with a 6.69 ERA in eight starts for the Padres. Both he and Redding are expected to report to the Yankees' Triple-A team in Columbus. The Padres also sent some cash to the Yankees as part of the deal.

7/1/2005

Rondell White, min

White has been nursing a sore right shoulder that kept him out of the Detroit lineup on Wednesday and limited him to DH duty on Thursday. It's uncertain if White will be ready to play in left field Friday, when the Tigers host the Yankees at Comerica Park in the opener of a weekend series.

6/30/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer took a pitch off his left hand in Minnesota's 3-1 loss to Kansas City Wednesday, and the Twins' third baseman had to leave the game for X-rays. His medical exam revealed nothing more than a bruised hand, and Cuddyer is day-to-day. The 26-year-old infielder is batting .259 with five homers and 22 RBI in 69 games this season.

Michael Cuddyer, min

Cuddyer took a pitch off his left hand in Minnesota's 3-1 loss to Kansas City Wednesday, and the Twins' third baseman had to leave the game for X-rays. His medical exam revealed nothing more than a bruised hand, and Cuddyer isn't expected to play in the Twins' weekend series with Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old infielder, who is batting .259 with five homers and 22 RBI in 69 games this season, still could end up on the disabled list.

6/29/2005

Glenn Williams, min

On Wednesday, the Twins placed Williams on the 15-day disabled list with a dislocated right shoulder, suffered while diving back to first base in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 11-8 win over Kansas City. Before departing, the 27-year-old rookie extended his streak of hitting safely in every game he has played for Minnesota since being recalled on June 7.

Glenn Williams, min

On Wednesday, the Twins placed Williams on the 15-day disabled list with a dislocated right shoulder, an injury suffered while diving back to first base in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 11-8 win over Kansas City. An MRI has revealed that the infielder has a small tear on the front and back of the shoulder, and he is expected to be sidelined for the next 6-8 weeks.

6/28/2005

Nick Punto, min

Out since early June with a hamstring injury, Punto passed a key test Monday when he ran the bases at full speed. The Twins' middle infielder will begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday. If all goes well, he could return to the Twins this weekend or Monday, when the club kicks off a road trip in Anaheim against the Angels.

Glenn Williams, min

With two hits and an RBI in Minnesota's 3-1 win over Kansas City Monday, Williams now has hit safely in all 12 major league games he has played. The former Atlanta prospect surfaced with Minnesota on June 7, and he has batted .421 (16-for-38) in 12 games, mostly playing third base.

6/27/2005

Michael Cuddyer, min

Rookie Glenn Williams has come up and hit safely in all 11 games he's played with the Twins, batting .400 in 35 at-bats. He's taken over most of the starts at third base, where Cuddyer has committed a major league-high 13 errors this season.

Glenn Williams, min

At least in the short term, Williams seems to have secured the third-base job over incumbent Michael Cuddyer. The 27-year-old Williams, a former Atlanta prospect who has surfaced in the majors for the first time, has hit safely in all 11 games he has played, batting .400 (14-for-35) while mostly playing at third.

6/20/2005

Brad Radke, min

Radke has been pitching with neck pain recently, and the Twins' righthander has been seeing a chiropractor regularly to combat the discomfort. Radke said Sunday he doesn't expect to miss any starts due to his ailing neck, but pitching coach Rick Anderson told reporters that he will make sure Radke is OK before clearing him to start Friday in Milwaukee.

6/17/2005

Luis Rodriguez, min

Rodriguez' run of starts at second base has been steady, with Nick Punto and Luis Rivas on the disabled list and Brent Abernathy nursing a sore shoulder all week. On Friday, Abernathy went on the DL with his shoulder injury, so the Minnesota Twins activated Rivas for the weekend series against San Diego. Shortstop Juan Castro also is out for a few days with a tender left ankle, so look for Rodriguez to start at short and Rivas to play second this weekend.

6/13/2005

Gabe White, min

To make room for the Cal Eldred's return from the disabled list, the St. Louis Cardinals designated White for assignment on Sunday. The lefthander posted a 2.13 ERA in six appearances with the Cards, though he allowed 14 hits in 8.1 innings.

Shannon Stewart, min

Stewart managed just one pinch-hitting appearance over the weekend after running into the left-field wall at Dodger Stadium and leaving Minnesota's 6-5 loss to Los Angeles on Friday night. Still, the Twins' left fielder is expected to return Tuesday, when Minnesota returns home and hosts San Francisco in a three-game set.

Luis Rodriguez, min

Rodriguez has been getting most of the starts with second basemen Luis Rivas and Nick Punto on the disabled list. The 24-year-old Twins rookie has gone 9-for-23 (.391) with a pair of doubles and three runs scored since Punto went down and second-base duties fell to Rodriguez and veteran Brent Abernathy.

6/12/2005

Andres Torres, min

The Rangers designated Torres for assignment on Sunday. The reserve outfielder had just three hits in 19 at-bats for the parent club this year. In parts of four big league seasons, he now owns a career .210 batting average.

6/11/2005

Shannon Stewart, min

While attempting to catch a flyball, Stewart ran into the left-field wall at Dodger Stadium on Friday night and bruised his wrist. Stewart had to leave the game following the incident. He was replaced in left by Lew Ford, who should start in Stewart's place until he's ready to play. Reports list Stewart as day-to-day.

6/9/2005

Johan Santana, min

While Santana is just 3-2 since the start of May, the Twins' lefthander has continued his dominance on the road this season. The 26-year-old Santana threw a four-hit shutout and fanned nine in a 10-0 Minnesota win at Arizona Wednesday. The victory gave the southpaw a 6-0 record and a 2.52 ERA away from the Metrodome. In seven road starts, he has posted a 0.88 WHIP, fanned 56 and walked just five in 50 innings.

6/7/2005

Joe Mauer, min

Mauer's nagging groin injury was better by the end of the weekend, and the Minnesota catcher was able to do some running on Sunday. The Twins believe Mauer will be ready to go when they open an interleague series in Arizona on Tuesday. The 22-year-old rookie is batting .301 with a .382 on-base percentage in 41 games. He has five doubles, five home runs and 18 RBI.

6/6/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra and the Yankees' other DH options will be squeezed for playing time this week, when New York plays interleague series in Milwaukee and St. Louis. Sierra is batting .200 (8-for-40) with 10 RBI in 19 games this season.

Lew Ford, min

Ford and Minnesota's other DH options will be squeezed for at-bats this week, as the Twins will play interleague series in Arizona and Los Angeles this week. Ford has been very productive of late, hitting safely in 13 of his last 16 games while batting .344 with seven doubles and 14 runs scored.

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau's MRI exam over the weekend revealed a small bone spur in his left elbow. The Twins' first baseman has started only one game in June -- last Wednesday -- and the injury-riddled Twins could use his bat. He is expected to get a cortisone shot, and the club hopes he can be in the lineup when it opens an West Coast interleague series in Arizona on Tuesday.

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau's MRI exam over the weekend revealed a small bone spur in his left elbow. The Twins' first baseman has started only one game in June -- last Wednesday -- and the injury-riddled Twins could use his bat. He is expected to get a cortisone shot, and the club hopes he can be in the lineup when it opens a West Coast interleague series in Arizona on Tuesday.

Terry Tiffee, min

With the Minnesota Twins needing more versatility for an infield riddled by injuries, the club optioned Tiffee to Triple-A Rochester Sunday to make room for Glenn Williams, who was recalled from Rochester. Tiffee muffed a routine play at first base against the Yankees over the weekend, and he's stuck in a 3-for-33 skid. He returns to Rochester with a .194 average, a homer and seven RBI in 24 games with the Twins.

Glenn Williams, min

Looking for more versatility for their injury-riddled infield, the Minnesota Twins recalled Williams from Triple-A Rochester over the weekend. The 27-year-old Australian, who was a big free-agent signing by Atlanta in 1994, can play first, second or third base. He was batting .302 with four homers and 19 RBI in 47 games for Rochester. Williams awaits his major league debut.

6/5/2005

Joe Mauer, min

After aggravating his nagging groin injury while running the bases in Thursday's game against the Cleveland Indians, Mauer has been limited to pinch-hitting duties over the past couple of days. The Twins have listed the catcher as day-to-day, and they hope he can avoid a trip to the 15-day disabled list. Mike Redmond and Matthew LeCroy will see time behind the plate until Mauer can handle his regular duties.

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau has been scheduled to undergo an MRI on his strained left elbow after reporting no improvement. The Twins' first baseman tweaked the elbow while hitting balls off a tee before Thursday's game and has been limited to backup duty since. He had hoped to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday, but barring a miraculous recovery, that seems unlikely at this point.

6/4/2005

Ryan Glynn, min

Glynn has movedinto the Oakland starting rotation, replacing the struggling Seth Etherton. Glynn gave up three runs on six hits in seven innings against Toronto in his first appearance of the year for the A's on Friday.

6/3/2005

Nick Punto, min

On Friday, the Minnesota Twins placed Punto on the 15-day disabled list with a pulled right hamstring. To replace Punto, who was batting .293 with a homer and eight RBI in 37 games, the Twins recalled infielder Terry Tiffee from Triple-A Rochester.

Terry Tiffee, min

Tiffee is back following a demotion to Triple-A Rochester two days ago. The 26-year-old corner infielder has returned to Minnesota with second baseman Nick Punto going on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Tiffee begins his third stint with the Twins with a .203 average (12-for-59), four doubles, a homer and seven RBI in 22 games.

Luis Rodriguez, min

Rodriguez was in line for backup duty when he was recalled on May 19, but with Nick Punto joining Luis Rivas on the disabled list, he and veteran Brent Abernathy are in line to share starts at second base. Rodriguez is 2-for-9 (.222) in seven games since arriving from Triple-A Rochester.

6/2/2005

Rondell White, min

White returned to action Wednesday after missing two games with a tender left shoulder, and he went 2-for-4 and scored a run in a Detroit victory to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. The Tigers' left fielder is a .379 hitter during his 17-game run, with four doubles, two triples and eight RBI.

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter carried the Minnesota Twins to victory on Wednesday, going 5-for-5 with two singles, two doubles, a grand slam and all six of the Twins' ribbies in a 6-2 decision over Cleveland. Most of the damage was done against Indians starter Cliff Lee, who was too slow covering first base on a Justin Morneau grounder to the right side in the third inning, which loaded the bases for Hunter's first-pitch drive into the left-field seats at the Metrodome.

Nick Punto, min

Punto left Minnesota's 4-3 win over Cleveland Thursday in the eighth inning, after pulling his right hamstring. The Twins' second baseman came off the field limping when he was caught stealing in the seventh.

Joe Mauer, min

In the 12th inning of Minnesota's 13-inning victory over Cleveland Thursday, Mauer aggravated a strained groin that kept him out of five games last week. The rookie catcher was making just his third appearance since May 24 on Thursday, and it's possible the 15-day disabled list is in Mauer's future. That seemed to be a lingering option before Mauer aggravated the injury.

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau was pulled from Minnesota's 4-3 win over Cleveland Thursday in the fifth inning with an elbow strain. The Twins' first baseman tweaked his left elbow while hitting balls off a tee before the game. He was replaced by Matthew LeCroy after going 0-for-2 against Indians starter Scott Elarton.

6/1/2005

Rondell White, min

White is in the midst of a 16-game hitting streak, but he has missed Detroit's last two contests with a tender left shoulder. He had slammed the shoulder into the outfield fence at Camden Yards making a catch. The ailment is considered minor, and it's possible that the 33-year-old outfielder will be ready to go on Wednesday, when the Tigers host Texas. White is a .309 hitter this season, with four homers and 22 RBI in 42 games.

Nick Punto, min

Punto's primary competition for playing time at second base, Luis Rivas, has gone on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique strain. But Punto has been getting most of the playing time for the Twins anyway. He's in the midst of a 13-game hitting streak in which he's a .357 hitter. For the season, Punto is at .292 with a .346 on-base percentage in 132 plate appearances. He has scored 17 runs in 36 games.

Terry Tiffee, min

In the midst of a 2-for-25 slide that doesn't include a single extra-base hit, run or RBI, Tiffee was optioned to Triple-A Rochester by the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. In two stints with the Twins this season, Tiffee is 12-for-59 (.203) with four doubles, a homer and seven RBI in 22 games.

5/29/2005

Shannon Stewart, min

Stewart homered for the third straight game in the Twins' 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday. After a slow start in April, Stewart has come alive in May, hitting .330 with seven dingers and 16 RBI in 25 games, with 21 runs, a .390 OBP and .547 slugging.

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo returned to the starting lineup Saturday against the New York Mets, picking up two hits, including a double, in five at bats. He had missed 15 of the team's previous 16 games with a strained left quadriceps.

5/28/2005

Joe Mauer, min

After sitting out Minnesota's Saturday 4-3 win over Toronto, Mauer has sat out four straight games with a tight right groin. He hasn't played since he was given a day off on Wednesday, after catching extra-inning games on Sunday and Tuesday. He is hitting .311 with four homers and 17 RBI this season.

5/26/2005

Rondell White, min

After singling in Detroit's 4-2 loss to New York on Wednesday, White had a 13-game hitting streak in which he's batted .380 (19-for-50). The Tigers' outfielder has four doubles, two triples and seven RBI during his 13-game run.

Luis Castillo, min

With the solid play of Damion Easley in Castillo's absence, Marlins manager Jack McKeon has been hesitant to make a change. Castillo, who has appeared in just one game since May 9 because of a strained left quadriceps muscle, reportedly is ready to return, but McKeon wants to keep Easley's hot bat in the lineup.

Joe Nathan, min

On Wednesday, Nathan blew a save chance for only the second time this season, allowing a ninth-inning home run to Cleveland's Ben Broussard. The Twins' closer hadn't allowed a home run since August 19, 2004, and Wednesday's appearance marked his 40th game since he last gave up a longball.

Andres Torres, min

Torres said Wednesday that he is playing with a torn labrum in his left shoulder that will require surgery in the offseason. The injury occurred last year at Triple-A Charlotte, causing the Rangers' backup outfielder to miss more than a month of the minor league season. He is 1-for-8 (.125) in three games since joining the Rangers on May 15.

Joe Mauer, min

After catching extra-inning games for Minnesota on Sunday and Tuesday, Mauer experienced some tightness in his left groin and was given the day on Wednesday. The Twins expect to sit their young catcher on Thursday, as well. The 22-year-old Mauer is batting .311 with a .396 on-base percentage, four homers and 17 RBI in 37 games this season.

5/25/2005

Luis Castillo, min

The Marlins hope to welcome Castillo back into the starting lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies, barring any last-minute setbacks. The second baseman has been sidelined for more than two weeks with a strained left quadriceps muscle, but never landed on the disabled list. He is batting .301 with seven RBI and five stolen bases in 25 games this season.

Luis Castillo, min

The Marlins hope to welcome Castillo back into the starting lineup for Wednesday's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies, barring any last-minute setbacks. The second baseman has been sidelined for more than two weeks with a strained left quadriceps muscle, but never landed on the disabled list. He is batting .302 with seven RBI and five stolen bases in 25 games this season.

Michael Cuddyer, min

After taking over at third base for Minnesota, following the departure of Corey Koskie to Toronto, Cuddyer batted just .205 in April, with only four extra-base hits in 73 at-bats. The 26-year-old prospect has turned it around in May, batting .352 with seven doubles and 10 RBI in 19 games.

5/20/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

The Yankees have activated designated hitter Ruben Sierra on Friday. Sierra had been placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 20 with a partially torn bicep muscle. Sierra was batting .269 with two home runs and eight RBI before going on the DL. First baseman Andy Phillips was sent back down to Triple A Columbus to make room for the veteran switch hitter.

Luis Castillo, min

The earliest Castillo might return from his left quadriceps strain is Friday, but the Marlins' second baseman is by no means a sure thing to be in the lineup when Florida hosts Tampa Bay. He is a gametime decision.

Nick Punto, min

Punto has been bothered by a sore right calf muscle, which has kept him out of the Minnesota lineup and may force him onto the disabled list. The 27-year-old Punto hasn't played since Sunday. Luis Rivas has been starting at second base in his place.

5/19/2005

Johan Santana, min

Santana has dominated at times and struggled at times in 2005. After he was touched for seven runs by Toronto on Tuesday, the Minnesota ace reviewed videotape from the last year with Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson. "You could see last year he was standing much taller on his backside and driving down on the ball," Anderson told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Santana has been less upright in his delivery in 2005, and Anderson believes that has affected his command.

Jason Bartlett, min

On Thursday, the Minnesota Twins sent Bartlett to Triple-A Rochester, so that the promising, young shortstop can play every day. Over the last week, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has gone with Juan Castro as the starting shortstop, after Bartlett struggled both offensively and defensively during the month of May. Bartlett heads to Rochester after batting .242 with a .310 on-base percentage in 26 games.

Luis Rodriguez, min

On Thursday, the Minnesota Twins demoted promising shortstop prospect Jason Bartlett to Triple-A Rochester, so that he could play every day after losing the Twins' starting job to Juan Castro. To take Bartlett's roster spot, the Twins promoted Rodriguez, who will serve as a backup infielder. Rodriguez was batting .287 with a .359 on-base percentage in 33 games for Rochester.

5/18/2005

Johan Santana, min

Santana lost for the second time this month, absorbing a seven-run beating at the hands of the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. The Twins' ace lefthander allowed nine hits and seven runs in 5.1 innings, dropping to 5-2 with a 10-3 loss to the Jays.

The 26-year-old Santana had won 17 straight decisions before losing to the Angels on May 1. Tuesday night was the first time he had allowed as many as seven runs in a game since May 23, 2004. The last time he lost twice in the same month was in July, and since losing to Detroit on July 11, 2004, he's gone 18-2 with a 2.23 ERA through Tuesday night's loss. In 24 starts over that span, he's recorded 19 quality starts. Nights like Tuesday have been rare.

Jason Bartlett, min

Bartlett has struggled to jump-start his bat, and after some defensive difficulties in May, the Twins' rookie shortstop has found himself on the bench more often than not lately. Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire has turned to Juan Castro as the team's starting shortstop over the last week. Bartlett is batting .242 with 16 runs scored, 12 RBI and an on-base percentage of .310 in 26 games.

5/17/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra left an extended spring training game Tuesday after feeling discomfort in his left leg. Rehabbing a partially torn biceps muscle, the Yankees' designated hitter felt pain in his upper leg as he left the batter's box during his first at-bat. After grounding out to first, Sierra ran and did stretching drills but was removed from the game against Philadelphia minor leaguers.

This development probably will delay Sierra's return to the Yankees. Before injuring his leg, he was expected to rejoin the major league club later this week.

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo's strained left quadriceps muscle continues to improve, and he has expanded his workouts with the Florida Marlins over the past couple of days. However, the team plans to work the second baseman back slowly, and he likely won't return to the starting lineup until at least Friday, according to manager Jack McKeon. Damion Easley will get the majority of work at second until that time.

Castillo has not played in more than a week, and he officially is listed as day-to-day. He is batting .301 with seven RBI and five stolen bases in 25 games this season.

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter sat out the Twins' last two games recovering from a wrist injury after colliding with teammate Jason Bartlett on Friday. On Tuesday, Hunter was back in the team's lineup against the Blue Jays.

5/16/2005

Torii Hunter, min

While Hunter was out of the Minnesota lineup for a second straight day on Sunday, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire played down the outfielder's wrist injury and said he was just giving Hunter another day off to rest it. With Monday an off day for the Twins, Hunter gets a longer stretch to recover from his collision with teammate Jason Bartlett on Friday.

Ryan Glynn, min

The Toronto Blue Jays traded Glynn to Oakland for cash considerations on Sunday. The 30-year-old righthander, who was 1-0 with a 4.05 in 20 innings with the Jays in 2004, was acquired to fill a hole in the rotation of the A's Triple-A affiliate at Sacramento. He was pitching for Toronto's Triple-A club in Syracuse.

Andres Torres, min

The Texas Rangers recalled Torres from Triple-A Oklahoma after Gary Matthews Jr. went on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. Torres was batting .302 with six steals for Oklahoma, though he hasn't played since April 28 because of a strained shoulder.

Torres will serve as a backup outfielder while Matthews is out.

5/14/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra is expected to play in a extended spring training game on Monday. This would be the first game for Sierra since partially tearing his right biceps on April 20.

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter was held out of Saturday's loss to the Texas Rangers with a sore right wrist. The Twins' outfielder, who is listed as day-to-day, was hurt when he collided with teammate Jason Bartlett on Friday.

5/13/2005

Gabe White, min

The St. Louis Cardinals have purchased White's contract from Triple-A Memphis, filling the roster spot of the struggling Kevin Jarvis. The veteran lefthander, who was waived by the Atlanta Braves late in spring training, has been solid in eight appearances with the minor league club this season, allowing just four hits in 7.1 scoreless innings of work. He's struck out eight, walked one and held opposing batters to a .154 average.

White has plenty of experience at the major league level, but pitching in middle relief, he doesn't have much fantasy value. He split last season between the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds, going a combined 1-3 with a 6.94 ERA and one save in 64 relief appearances.

Juan Rincon, min

With his 10-day suspension for performing-enhancing substances coming to a close, Rincon will be in uniform for the Minnesota Twins on Friday night, when the team hosts Texas at the Metrodome. Look for an immediate return to setup duty for the 26-year-old righthander, who is 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 appearances.

Scott Baker, min

To make room for Juan Rincon, who is returning from his 10-day suspension, Baker was sent down to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. While filling in for Rincon over the last 10 days, the promising 23-year-old pitching prospect made one appearance and worked a scoreless inning.

Baker is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four starts for Rochester this season.

5/12/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

The timetable for Sierra has been set back a day or two. While the Yankees' designated hitter has spent time in a batting cage at New York's spring training complex the last couple days, he probably won't begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment until Monday. The tentative plan is to have him rejoin the Yankees later next week.

5/11/2005

Luis Castillo, min

Although a trip to the 15-day disabled list will not be necessary at this point, Castillo said he does not plan to rush back after straining his left quadriceps muscle while running out a bunt in the sixth inning of Monday's loss to the Houston Astros. As a precaution, the Marlins' second baseman said he'll likely sit out until at least next Monday. Castillo, who recently missed a week with a strained right hip flexor, will be replaced in the lineup by Damion Easley.

Castillo will receive treatment and be evaluated on a daily basis to monitor his progress. He is batting .301 with seven RBI and five stolen bases in 25 games this season.

5/10/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra could begin playing in minor league games as soon as this weekend. His partially torn right biceps muscle is pain-free and the minor ribcage injury that bothered him last week appears to be gone. He should be hitting before the weekend, and Sierra could return to the Yankees by the middle of next week.

Then Sierra will face the DH logjam, with both Jason Giambi and Bernie Williams in the mix.

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo is expected to sit out at least one game after straining his left quadriceps muscle while running out a bunt in the sixth inning of Monday's loss to the Houston Astros. The second baseman, who recently missed a week with a strained right hip flexor, likely will be replaced in the Marlins' lineup by Damion Easley.

Castillo will be re-evaluated on Tuesday to determine the extent of the injury, but manager Jack McKeon did not think it was serious. For now, consider him as day-to-day. He is batting .301 with seven RBI and five stolen bases in 25 games this season.

Torii Hunter, min

Hunter returned to the Twins' lineup Monday night after missing Sunday's game with a tender groin muscle. The Twins' center fielder went 1-for-4 in Minnesota's loss to Baltimore, giving him a six-game hitting streak in which he has hit .321.

For the season, Hunter is a .254 hitter with four homers and 17 RBI in 30 games.

5/9/2005

Torii Hunter, min

Bothered by some soreness in a groin muscle, Hunter missed his first game of the season on Sunday. It's uncertain if the Twins' center fielder will be in the lineup when Minnesota opens a series in Baltimore Monday night.

Hunter is batting .255 with four homers and 17 RBI in 29 games. He also is 11-for-13 in stolen bases this season, which easily puts him on pace to break his own single-season mark of 23 in 2002.

Justin Morneau, min

After homering in four straight games, Morneau didn't connect for a longball on Sunday in Minnesota's win over Tampa Bay. Yet, the Twins' first baseman went 4-for-4 and was just a homer shy of hitting for the cycle.

Morneau has been ripping it up since returning from a concussion on April 22. In 13 games since coming off the disabled list, he is 23-for-51 (.451) with four doubles, two triples, six home runs and 19 RBI. Ten of those ribbies have come in his last five games.

5/5/2005

Brad Radke, min

Going the distance in Thursday's 9-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians, Radke recorded the 10th shutout and 36th complete game of his major league career. The Twins' veteran righthander was nearly perfect, allowing three hits, striking out eight batters and walking none over nine innings of work.

With the win, Radke improved to 3-3 in seven starts this season, and saw his ERA drop from 4.39 to 3.60. He has pitched six or more innings in every one of his outings in 2005.

5/4/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra won't be ready to return to the New York Yankees when he becomes eligible to come off the disabled list on Friday. New York's designated hitter is able to bat lefthanded, but still feels discomfort in his arm batting righthanded.

It may be a week or two before Sierra joins the DH logjam. He and Jason Giambi were the primary DH guys, but now Bernie Williams is part of the mix following the defensive reallignment that moved Hideki Matsui to center and Tony Womack to left.

Darrell May, min

With Woody Williams out for at least the next two weeks because of a strained muscle in his side, the San Diego Padres will turn to May to fill the void in the starting rotation. The veteran lefthander is scheduled to make his first start of the 2005 campaign on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

May was slated to serve as the Padres' fifth starter to begin the season, but the team decided to go with Tim Redding instead. May has made nine relief appearances so far this year, posting a 4.26 ERA, while striking out eight and walking five in 12.2 innings.

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo missed a week with a strained right hip flexor, but was back in the Marlins' lineup for Tuesday's meeting with the Atlanta Braves. The second baseman went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored in his return, before limping off the field in the seventh inning. He was replaced in the lineup by Damion Easley and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday.

The cause for Castillo's departure was not released, but it appears he likely aggravated the hip problem. For now, consider him as day-to-day.

Terry Tiffee, min

The Minnesota Twins recalled Tiffee Wednesday. The 26-year-old Tiffee, who can play first and third base, was batting .267 in 60 at-bats for Triple-A Rochester, with three homers and 15 RBI. During an eight-game stay with the Twins earlier in 2005, when Justin Morneau was out with a concussion, Tiffee hit .280 in 25 at-bats with three doubles, one home run and six RBI.

In two stints with the Twins, Tiffee has shown he can hit and deliver in the clutch. He should get some playing time with Minnesota.

5/3/2005

Luis Castillo, min

After sitting out the team's previous three games with a strained hip flexor muscle, Castillo was back in the Marlins' lineup on Tuesday. Castillo should be back to full strength.

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau continues to hit well following his return from an April 6 beaning. Since his two-week layoff to recover from concussion symptoms, the Minnesota first baseman has gone 14-for-33 (.424) with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and nine RBI in eight games.

Scott Baker, min

Baker, a promising pitching prospect who climbed three levels to Triple-A Rochester in 2004, has been recalled by the Minnesota Twins. The 23-year-old righthander will take the roster spot vacated by Juan Rincon, who received a 10-day suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. In 2005, Baker was 1-0 in four starts with a 1.80 ERA for Rochester.

Baker is a starting prospect, but he'll probably get his feet wet with the Twins out of the bullpen. That doesn't mean he won't get a starting assignment. Kyle Lohse left his last start with a sore shoulder, and Baker could step in if the veteran has to miss a start.

5/2/2005

Luis Castillo, min

Originally was diagnosed as a strained hamstring, Castillo reportedly is nursing a strained right hip flexor, an injury that has kept him sidelined for nearly a week. The Marlins' second baseman probably could have played over the weekend, but he was held out as a precautionary measure because of the wet conditions. Barring any setbacks, Castillo should return to the lineup for Tuesday meeting with the Atlanta Braves.

Damion Easley has been filling in during Castillo's absence, but he will return to the bench once Castillo is back in action. For the season, Castillo is batting .281 with four RBI and three stolen bases in 19 games.

Johan Santana, min

On Sunday, Santana took the "L" in Minnesota's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, ending the lefthander's winning streak at 17 straight games. The American League's reigning Cy Young Award winner lost for the first time since July 11, 2004, when he dropped a 2-0 decision to Detroit.

Since that loss last July, Santana has turned in 18 quality starts in 21 outings, and he has allowed more than two earned runs in a start just three times. That includes Sunday's loss, when Santana allowed just two hits and two runs over eight innings while fanning seven. For the season, he is 4-1 with a 3.29 ERA. He has fanned 52 while allowing just 30 hits and five walks in 41 innings.

Juan Rincon, min

Rincon, Minnesota's top setup man, was suspended for 10 games on Monday for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs. Twins general manager Terry Ryan acknowledged that he was notified about Rincon's positive test and said top righthanded pitching prospect Scott Baker would be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to fill the roster spot.

Rincon was a key contributor to the Twins' American League Central-winning team last season. He went 11-6 with two saves and a 2.63 ERA in 77 games. This year, he was 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 12 appearances.

4/30/2005

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo sat out Friday's game against Philadelphia because of a sore right hamstring. The Florida second baseman may sit on Saturday as well.

Look for updates on Castillo's hamstring injury.

4/29/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra took some easy swings on Thursday, one week after he went on the 15-day disabled list with a biceps strain. The Yankees' designated hitter said he didn't feel any pain while swinging in the cage. He predicted he'd be ready to return to action next Friday, May 6, when he is eligible to come off the DL.

Yankees manager Joe Torre countered Sierra's optimism, saying he expected his DH to need a few minor league rehab games and a little more time than a week before returning.

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo will be a game-time decision for Friday's matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies, due to soreness in his right hamstring. Reportedly, the Marlins had planned to hold the second baseman out of the lineup for both games of Thursday's doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies before the pair of contests were postponed because of weather. Damion Easley likely will get the nod if Castillo is unable to go.

For now, consider Castillo as day-to-day. After seeing his batting average dip to a season-low .095 on April 11, Castillo has picked things up over the past couple of weeks. For the year, he is now batting .281 with four RBI, three stolen bases and 16 runs scored in 19 games.

Nick Punto, min

Punto's bat has been better of late, with the middle infielder going 6-for-16 (.375) over Minnesota's last four contests, and he may be supplanting Luis Rivas as the Twins' second baseman. Punto has started at second the last two days, with Rivas mired in a 2-for-22 slump.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire clearly likes Punto as a player, and was favoring him in the battle for the shortstop job going into spring training. Jason Bartlett deserved to start at short, but Rivas has stagnated as a player. He arrived as a 21-year-old prospect in 2000, but has shown little improvement since he was a rookie. It's understandable that the Twins are looking at other options for second base.

4/28/2005

Justin Morneau, min

The April 6 beaning that put Morneau out of action for two weeks doesn't seem to have had any long-term repercussions. After going 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI in Minnesota's extra-inning win over Kansas City on Thursday afternoon, the Twins' first baseman is 9-for-21 (.429) with two doubles, a homer and seven RBI since his return to the lineup.

Morneau is now batting .394 for the season in eight games and 33 at-bats.

4/27/2005

Johan Santana, min

Santana persevered in a pitching duel with Kansas City's Jose Lima Tuesday, working eight innings and securing his 17th straight win when Lew Ford singled home the winning run in the ninth for a 2-1 Twins victory. That 17th straight "W" leaves him just three shy of Roger Clemens' American League record of 20 straight, which the future Hall of Famer secured between June 3, 1998 and June 1, 1999.

Santana's 17 wins date back to July 17, 2004. Over those 20 starts, the Minnesota lefthander is 17-0 with a 1.77 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 137.1 innings. He has allowed just 83 hits and 26 walks during this span, good for a 0.79 WHIP. The Twins have gone 19-1 in those 20 starts.

Jason Bartlett, min

Bartlett, who tore the fingernail off his left pinky Sunday while moving the TV in his hotel room, could be in the Minnesota lineup on Wednesday. The Twins are scheduled for a night game in Kansas City.

The Twins' rookie is batting .250 (13-for-52) with three doubles, a homer and nine runs scored in 13 games this season.

4/25/2005

Torii Hunter, min

The major league leader in stolen bases is Hunter, who is a perfect 10-for-10 for the Twins in 2005. He made a commitment to run more before the season started, and he's been perfect based less on pure speed and more on perfectly timed jumps before a pitcher begins his delivery toward home.

Hunter has the green light this season. Could he be a threat to the Twins' record of 62, set by Chuck Knoblauch in 1997? Possibly, though not likely. The franchise mark of 88, held by Clyde Milan with the Senators in 1912, seems off limits.

Jason Bartlett, min

Bartlett tore the fingernail off his left pinky finger Sunday, while moving the TV in his hotel room for a better view. His finger got caught under the appliance and he lost a nail. The finger was tender on Monday, and the rookie shortstop was not in the Twins' lineup for Monday's series finale in Detroit. He is day-to-day.

4/23/2005

Justin Morneau, min

In his first action since being beaned on April 6, Morneau went 2-for-4 with a home run in the Twins' loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday.

4/22/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra might have a slight tear in his right biceps muscle, an injury suffered while swinging at a pitch in Wednesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Yankees' outfielder/designated hitter, who has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine how much damage there is. He is batting .269 with two home runs and eight RBI in nine games this season.

The Yankees will fill the void on the roster prior to Friday's meeting with the Texas Rangers. Jason Giambi and Tino Martinez likely will split time at first base and DH while Sierra is sidelined.

Ruben Sierra, min

The New York Yankees placed Sierra on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with what might be a slight tear of his right biceps. An MRI exam is scheduled for Friday to determine if he has a tear. The Yankees' designated hitter suffered the injury swinging at a pitch, and he experienced pain when he connected for a double on the next offering.

Sierra is hitting .269 with two homers and eight RBI. The Yankees didn't immediately replace him on the roster.

4/21/2005

Ruben Sierra, min

Sierra left in the fourth inning of the Yankees' victory over Toronto Wednesday with a strained right biceps muscle. Yankees manager Joe Torre said Sierra may not be available for a few days.

Carlos Silva, min

On Thursday, following the Twins' come-from-behind, extra-inning win over the Royals, Silva was activated from the disabled list. He will pitch with torn meniscus in his right knee and face surgery after the 2005 season. The 26-year-old righthander is scheduled to face the Tigers in Detroit on Friday night.

Silva made one start before going on the DL. He worked seven innings and earned a 4-1 win over Seattle on April 6.

Justin Morneau, min

On Thursday, after missing 13 games with a concussion following a beaning, Morneau was activated from the disabled list by the Minnesota Twins. The Twins' first baseman should be in the lineup when Minnesota faces the Tigers in Detroit on Friday night. Morneau is 4-for-12 (.333) with an RBI in three games this season.

Terry Tiffee, min

After Minnesota's come-from-behind, extra-inning win over Kansas City on Thursday, the Twins optioned Tiffee to Triple-A Rochester to make room for the return of Justin Morneau. Once again Tiffee was productive for the Twins, batting .280 with three doubles, a homer, six RBI and a .520 slugging mark in eight games.

Dave Gassner, min

With Carlos Silva activated from the disabled list on Thursday, Gassner was optioned to Triple-A Rochester to make room for him. Gassner made two starts during his first taste of the majors. He was impressive in shutting down Cleveland for six innings in his big league debut on April 16, a 6-4 win, and he was roughed up by the Royals in the Twins' come-from-behind, extra-inning victory on Thursday.

Gassner departs with a 1-0 mark and 5.87 ERA in two starts and 7.2 innings.

4/20/2005

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau homered in four trips to the plate during an extended spring training game Tuesday. The Twins' first baseman expects to play in another game this week. If all goes well in that contest, he is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Friday for the start of Minnesota's series with Detroit.

4/19/2005

Carlos Silva, min

Silva worked five innings of a minor league rehab start for Class-A Beloit on Sunday, and there was no pain in his right knee during the start or the next day. Silva is on track to come off the disabled list to start for the Twins on Friday in Detroit.

The knee is strong from Silva's rehab work, which included an examination of how his mechanics can protect the knee. The Twins hope Silva is able to work the final five-plus months of the season and stave off knee surgery until November.

4/18/2005

Justin Morneau, min

On Tuesday, Morneau will face live pitching for the first time since he was beaned on April 6. The Twins' first baseman has taken batting practice without any problems with post-concussion symptoms, and he should get plenty of hitting in this week in extended spring training in Florida. If all goes well, the Twins expect Morneau to return to the lineup against Detroit on Friday, the first day he is eligible to come off the disabled list.

4/15/2005

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau, who has been plagued by dizziness since he was struck on the head by a Ron Villone pitch on April 6, plans to begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week. The Twins' first baseman is currently on the 15-day disabled list, but reported no major problems after returning to the batting cage with the team on Thursday. He will be evaluated on a daily basis to monitor his progress.

Morneau is eligible to be activated as early as next Friday, and it appears he should be ready by that time. In three games this season, he is 4-for-12 with one RBI and two strikeouts.

4/14/2005

Carlos Silva, min

Silva received a third encouraging report on the torn meniscus in his right knee. Despite the tear, the Twins now believe Silva can pitch through the injury and delay surgery until after the 2005 season. The young righthander is expected to be activated when he's eligible to come off the disabled list on April 22, the day before his 26th birthday.

4/12/2005

Luis Castillo, min

Castillo's slow start to the 2005 campaign continued in Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, as he went 0-for-3 and extended his hitless streak to 17 at-bats. The Marlins' second baseman, who was replaced in the lineup by Damion Easley late in Monday's contest, is batting just .095 with five walks and a stolen base in six games this season.

Despite a lack of power, Castillo is a career .291 hitter, so he is bound to get on track at some point. Last season, he batted .291 with two home runs, 47 RBI, 91 runs scored and 21 stolen bases in 150 games.

Carlos Silva, min

The Twins feared that Silva, on the disabled list with torn meniscus in his right knee, would have to undergo surgery that put his season at risk. On Monday, however, the Twins received news that Silva's knee injury may not be as serious as feared. The team physician for hockey's Minnesota Wild, Dr. Joel Boyd, concurred with the Twins' Dr. John Steubs that Silva might be able to return to the rotation in two to three weeks without surgery.

The Twins are seeking a third opinion, and a decision on Silva's season will be made at that time. It's possible that the 25-year-old righthander may be able to pitch with the slight tear after some rehab work. Both team doctors believe the injury isn't serious enough to force surgery.

Justin Morneau, min

The Twins received good news on Morneau on Monday. The Twins' first baseman, hit in the helmet with a pitch Wednesday in Seattle, was seen by a neurologist and passed a CT scan and MRI exam. Morneau has been plagued by dizziness and discomfort ever since being hit.

Exactly when Morneau will return to baseball activities hasn't been decided, but it's unlikely that he will go on the disabled list. He is listed as day-to-day.

Justin Morneau, min

Despite receiving encouraging news about Morneau's status on Monday, the Twins placed their first baseman on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. Morneau has been plagued by dizziness since he was struck by a Ron Villone pitch on April 6. A CT scan and MRI exam performed on Monday suggest there is no serious damage to Morneau's brain, but he will be out as long as post-concussion symptoms persist.

Morneau's stay on the DL is retroactive to April 7. Before Wednesday's game against Detroit, the Twins will call up third baseman Terry Tiffee to take Morneau's spot on the Twins' roster.

4/10/2005

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau continues to be bothered by headaches since getting hit in the head by a Ron Villone pitch last Wednesday against the Mariners. The Twins have opted to withhold the first baseman from baseball activities until at least Tuesday, at which time he will be re-evaluated.

Matt LeCroy has picked up the last two starts at first for Minnesota, and likely will continue to do so until Morneau returns.

4/9/2005

Carlos Silva, min

The Minnesota Twins placed Silva on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a torn meniscus in his right knee. To replace Silva on the roster, the Twins will recall Dave Gassner from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.

Silva went 14-8 with a 4.21 ERA for Minnesota in 2004, his first season as a starting pitcher. He had an impressive 2005 debut, allowing just one run in seven innings against Seattle on Wednesday.

4/8/2005

Justin Morneau, min

Despite leaving the field under his own power after getting hit in the head with a pitch on Wednesday, Morneau was held out of the Twins lineup on Friday due to dizziness caused from the incident. Morneau said he felt a little light headed and dizzy prior to the start of the game, as skipper Ron Gardenhire kept him out of the lineup. Morneau will still be available to the team as an emergency pinch hitter.

Fastballs to the head are never good. We'll keep our fingers crossed that this one doesn't linger much longer.

4/7/2005

Justin Morneau, min

Morneau stayed on the ground for about a minute, but was able to walk off the field under his own power shortly after taking an eighth-inning pitch from Ron Villone off his right temple in Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. The Twins' first baseman was taken to a local hospital to undergo a precautionary CT scan, which was negative. According to manager Ron Gardenhire, Morneau has a bruise, but should not miss much time. He is listed as day-to-day.

The Twins are off on Thursday, which should give Morneau some time to recover from being pelted. If he is unable to play on Friday, Matthew LeCroy likely will get the starting nod at first base for Minnesota. Through three games, Morneau is 4-for-12 with one RBI. In 74 games with the Twins last season, he batted .271 with 19 home runs and 58 RBI.

4/6/2005

Johan Santana, min

Santana needed more than 30 pitches to get through the first inning of Tuesday's season opener against the Seattle Mariners, and when all was said and done, he had allowed four runs before notching the third out. The Twins' ace bounced back from his rough start and did not give up another run over his next four innings of work. With some help from his offense in the fifth, Santana was able to record the victory, striking out six and walking just one in five innings.

Santana probably could have gone another inning or two, but being early in the season, the Twins decided not to push their top starter. He claimed the American League Cy Young Award last year after going 20-6 with a 2.61 ERA in 34 starts, striking out 265 and walking just 54 in 228 innings. Santana has won a club record 14 consecutive decisions.